Can celiac disease go undetected in children?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have a question about my niece that is been weighing heavy on my mind lately. She is 7 years old and has always been a picky eater, but recently it seems to have gotten way more extreme. She barely touches anything other than plain crackers and is not growing or gaining weight as she should. In addition, she has been complaining constantly about belly aches, and feeling bloated after meals. My sister mentioned they are going to get her tested for celiac disease based on the gastro symptoms.

My question is, should we have pushed for celiac screening way earlier given her eating issues from a young age? Is it common for pediatric cases to go undetected for years? I do not want to cause unnecessary panic, but I also hate the thought of her having some underlying condition this whole time without proper treatment or diet changes.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Celiac disease is a malabsorption disorder in which there is abnormal small intestinal mucosa

that improves morphologically when treated with a gluten-free diet and relapses when gluten is reintroduced.

We suggest testing patients with any symptoms and signs suggestive of celiac disease. These may include classical gastrointestinal symptoms, nonspecific behavioral symptoms, or extraintestinal manifestations. Decisions about diagnostic testing should be based on symptoms, signs, and risk factors, without regard to the individual's country of origin, ancestry, or race/ethnicity.

Symptoms may include;

Persistent diarrhea.

Abdominal bloating or distension.

Poor weight gain or weight loss.

Abdominal pain.

Constipation.

Vomiting.

By contrast, screening is not recommended for asymptomatic patients who are not members of a high-risk group.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards.